ABSTRACT
There is a duty on all those engaging with children to take appropriate action to safeguard their wellbeing. This may involve taking what may feel like uncomfortable steps to report or confront people with concerns. Many people find taking these initial safeguarding steps difficult for a variety of reasons and sometimes important concerns remain unaddressed or serious delays occur before people summon-up the courage to take the first step that may prevent serious harm. This chapter sets out the duties and responsibilities that professionals and individuals must be alert to when they have concerns that children may be at risk of significant harm. It includes some of the signs and situations that may cause concerns before there is a clear disclosure from a child. This chapter reflects on the doubts expressed by practitioners and their feelings about an incident where they had to make a decision about what action to take in order to safeguard children.
